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Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Toner
Etude House

Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Toner

Efficacy50/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Madecassoside, Glycerin + 6 more
Works well
What the product description says
“pH-balancing facial toner that helps to prevent breakouts by keeping the skin hydrated and free of impurities.”
Source: Althea

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: madecassoside

MadecassosideHeroEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.4%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.2–4.8%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~1.2–1.8%
TrehaloseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin~0.55–1.25%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~2.4–3.6%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.2–0.7%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%
Anti-blemish
Salix alba bark extract, Allantoin
Not delivered
What the product description says
“pH-balancing facial toner that helps to prevent breakouts by keeping the skin hydrated and free of impurities.”
Source: Althea

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.1–0.3%
AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.8%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Madecassoside, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract + 2 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (madecassoside) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: HighAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.4%
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~0.2–0.75%
Salix alba bark extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect~0.1–0.3%
Portulaca oleracea extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.05–0.15%
Anti-aging
Side benefit · Madecassoside
May help

This product contains madecassoside. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

MadecassosideKey activeEffect: MediumAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations~0.1–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water, Alcohol + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water—High~22–33%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~6.5–9.7%est.
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extractA plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oilAn essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract—High~0.05–0.25%est.
Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
Salix alba bark extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effectHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.35–0.75%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.7%est.
MadecassosideAn antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulationsMedium~0.1–0.4%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.05–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Derma Maison EGF Triple Repair Toner
MEDI-PEEL Derma Maison EGF Triple Repair Toner
Higher efficacy · 100/10066% match
$52.55
Beauty Fresh Skin Facial Mist Spray
Seoulista Beauty Fresh Skin Facial Mist Spray
Higher efficacy · 100/10064% match
$18.49
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water~22–33%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water
Alcohol~6.5–9.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Dipropylene glycol~4.3–6.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying

More about Dipropylene glycol
Glycerin~3.2–4.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Butylene glycol~2.4–3.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.3–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Betaine~1.2–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Glycereth-25 pca isostearate~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Glycereth-25 pca isostearate
Water~0.6–1.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Trehalose~0.55–1.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Trehalose
Allantoin~0.35–0.8%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.4–0.95%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Sodium citrate~0.35–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can be irritating. It might contain a compound anthocyanin that could be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract
Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

An essential oil that can be irritating. Has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil
Houttuynia cordata extract~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Houttuynia cordata extract
Pentylene glycol~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol
Madecassoside~0.1–0.4%
Hero · MoisturizingIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingEvens skin tone

An antioxidant that is typically derived from plant Centella Asiatica. It can help neutralize free radicals in skin and support skin barrier function. It could, however, itself be irritating. It is often unstable in formulations

More about Madecassoside
Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract
Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana extract
Salix alba bark extract~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationAnti-blemishExfoliation

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

More about Salix alba bark extract
Portulaca oleracea extract~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Ingredient list view

Melaleuca alternifolia leaf water, Alcohol, Dipropylene glycol, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Betaine, Glycereth-25 pca isostearate, Water, Trehalose, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium citrate, Hibiscus sabdariffa flower extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Houttuynia cordata extract, Pentylene glycol, Madecassoside, Gaultheria procumbens leaf extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Salix alba bark extract, Portulaca oleracea extract

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Althea200 ml
$13.00 Out of stock
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Etude HouseAC Clean Up Facial TonerYOUR PRODUCTMEDI-PEELDerma Maison EGF Triple Repair TonerSeoulistaBeauty Fresh Skin Facial Mist SprayUNPALacto Cica Soothing Toner
Match—66%64%64%
Price—$52.55$18.49$22.60
Shared key ingredients—4 of 65 of 64 of 6
Key difference—NiacinamideMadecassic AcidPanthenol
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ——
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Profile of wound healing process induced by allantoinscielo.br
  4. 4
    Anthocyanin-rich extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx counteracts UVC-caused impairments in ratsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Hibiscus sabdariffa L. – A phytochemical and pharmacological reviewsciencedirect.com
  6. 6
    Liposome-containing Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx extract formulations with increased antioxidant activity, improved dermal penetration and reduced dermal toxicityncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Etude House AC Clean Up Facial Toner
Etude HouseAC Clean Up Facial Toner
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